Questions about creating a system Image backup - a bit coinfused

Hi
I want to use the "windows system image backup tool" to an external hard drive which is a backup that already contains
other folders from several computers that I need to keep.
Ive never done this B4 so these are baby questions ; )
Question:
Will the image creator erase any of that info already stored on the external drive if I backup the system image to that drive?
Question:
is the windows image creator a good tool to do this (any problems with it that are known)?

is there some better image backup creator? if so which and why?

any help appreciated

While I do not know about Windows 10 backup/restore utilities, I do know Macrium Reflect [free and pay-for]. MR will not delete anything on your ext HD unless you "tell it to do so" via its purging choices. I recommend two ext HDs getting your OS and data partitions backups.

I have been using the built-in System Image Backup since Windows 7 days. So, I am quite familiar with the program.

RE : Will the image creator erase any of that info already stored on the external drive if I backup the system image to that drive?

No. It will create a folder called WindowsImageBackup. The backup file is stored in there. Contents that are in the external hard drive will remain untouched.


RE : is the windows image creator a good tool to do this (any problems with it that are known)?

Depending on whom you ask this question.
I, personally, have been using it for at least 2 years, and I had been using the system image backup to restore my computer, many times.It has never failed me.

There are many others who come barely short of calling it "garbage".

RE : is there some better image backup creator? if so which and why?

Depending on how do you plan to use the program
Macrium Reflect is the " de facto" in these blog.
It is more sophisticated than the Windows own built-in program, to be sure.
You will have to try it for yourself. What works for others does not necessarily works for you.
Windows own built-in program works for me and I see no reason to switch to something else. But that's just me.

I do know Macrium Reflect [free and pay-for]. MR will not delete anything on your ext HD unless you "tell it to do so" via its purging choices. I recommend two ext HDs getting your OS and data partitions backups.

Thanks I will look into that software.
I think the idea of a separate ext drive is a good one but I was unprepared for the WIN 10
Forced updates (I have the Home edition : ( (I'd heard all about "cortana the spy" LOL but not this update hell)
and windows is threatening to download 2 updates that some people have
had real problems with....

I have been using the built-in System Image Backup since Windows 7 days. So, I am quite familiar with the program.

RE : Will the image creator erase any of that info already stored on the external drive if I backup the system image to that drive?
No. It will create a folder called WindowsImageBackup. The backup file is stored in there. Contents that are in the external hard drive will remain untouched.

RE : is the windows image creator a good tool to do this (any problems with it that are known)?

Depending on whom you ask this question.
I, personally, have been using it for at least 2 years, and I had been using the system image backup to restore my computer, many times.It has never failed me.

Thanks for the comprehensive answer - it is much appreciated.
Well off I go : )

Thanks for the comprehensive answer - it is much appreciated.
Well off I go : )

You are welcome.